Bags boost centre funds

SIDMOUTH’S Stowford Community Association has come up with a handy way to make bags of money for its community centre.

The association is selling hessian bags to raise funds for its eagerly-anticipated centre in Stowford Rise. Construction of the building is due to begin in September and, while some of those costs are covered, the association is seeking to raise �20,000 toward equipment.

It has teamed up with Trumps grocers in Fore Street, which will be selling the hessian bags for �5 each, all profits going to the association.

Association secretary Maggie Baldwin said: “It works both ways, because at the same time as helping us, it is raising the shop’s profile.”

The bags will also be on sale at the town’s monthly community markets in St John Ambulance Hall, Blackmore Drive. An extra market is being held tomorrow in All Saints’ Church Hall, All Saints’ Road, it will return to its normal venue on Saturday, August 21.

Tickets are available now from Trumps and The Lantern Shop Gallery in New Street for a prize draw on Saturday, October 30. There are 1,000 available at �1 each and first prize is a TV.

The centre, 18 years in the making, will be available to hire for events and classes, and will include a children’s centre. Maggie was optimistic about the work beginning soon: “It’s a big deal for the community, it will fulfil a need for access to a community space and activities.”

The association is also hosting a bingo night at St Francis’ Hall, Woolbrook, on Tuesday, August 31, 7pm-10pm and a line dance on Friday, September 17, same venue, 7.30pm-11.30pm.